(Alum Pot)
Hazards and Warnings
Warning 3 years ago
13-May-2024: There has been a small rockfall from just above the traverse path that leads to the top of The Bridge in Alum Pot. The area affected is between the 1st and 2nd anchor of the traverse. This rockfall has impacted and compromised the solidity of the path along the edge of the shaft, leaving it in a crumbled state in parts. Users of the traverse path need to exercise extreme caution, both for any further rockfall, and also for the high likelihood of knocking stones down the open pot onto the route below. Keeping on the inside of the traverse line, whilst a bit more inconvenient, would help mitigate any potential problems. Anyone venturing deeper into Alum Pot needs to exercise caution regarding the potential of rocks from above. Note, that this follows a previous fall reported in February 2023, when a helmet-sized rock was dislodged from the wall of the North West route. This is a timely opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of keeping well away from the bottom of pitches while cavers are manoeuvring above. If necessary, avoid any rope free calls until you have moved completely away from the danger area. This is particularly important for surface-exposed shafts where freeze-thaw weathering over winter may have loosened rockfaces.
Warning 3 years ago
Ash Dieback has badly affected some of the trees overhanging Alum Pot, leaving them in a critical condition (i.e. dead). They are likely to shed branches and potentially even be uprooted. Care should be taken descending particularly in times of gusty winds, and of course do not use them for rigging.
Noticed a hazard in this cave? Click here to report it here.
Access
Call at house
A courtesy call at the farm / house of the land owner is required.
The caves of Alum Pot area (including Alum Pot, Long Churn, Diccan Pot, Borrins Moor Cave and others nearby) are either on, or approached via private land and a small access fee (cash only) is payable into a collection box at the front door of Selside Farm. This has traditionally been £1pp but may increase over time.
You do not need to disturb the residents of the farm, but please be friendly if you see anyone.
Park responsibly on the rough green lane leading to the caves, which is found on the north side of Selside (100m further up the road towards Ribblehead from the farm).
The track on the right a short distance along the green lane leads to an outdoor centre (private access only). Please do not park opposite or immediately adjacent to the start of this track as vehicles with trailers need regular access and this requires a good amount of turning space to be available.
Please note that access to Alum Pot is via a stone stile on the north west side of the enclosure (around the back as you approach from Selside). Please do not try to cross anywhere other than this stile to preserve the integrity of the walling around the pothole.
This cave is NOT on access land. Click here for more information.
Rigging Topos, Descriptions & Documents
Alum Pot and Long Churn Caves
A description of routes down Long Churn Caves, Alum Pot (via Dollytubs, South-East or North-West routes) and Diccan Pot to accompany the rigging topo.
Report a topo or description error
Fixed Aids
More information about CNCC resin anchors
Location
54.17545399624298, -2.3464968212268102
Please note that locations are correct to the best of our knowledge however are often taken from old books so they may not be absolutely accurate and are shown simply as a guide.
Entrance Photos
